Perhaps it was the least popular of the three Captain Scarlet TV Series toys because it hardly featured in the TV programmes. The model was produced in an off white colour although the TV vehicle was grey. The vehicle featured opening side gull winged doors and carried a crate labelled ‘radioactive’.

First version with red interior and later versions with blue interiors

DINKY 105 MAXIMUM SECURITY VEHICLE:

Introduced in 1968, the first version on 105 Maximum Security Vehicle was painted off-white with a red base, painted red stripes, decal transfers, spun wheels, open front windows and a red interior and red un-ridged steps.

The MSV came with an opening crate containing ‘radioactive isotopes’ and an aerial similar to the one on top of the 103 Spectrum Patrol Car.

It came with a crate marked radioactive and contained ‘radioactive isotopes’ which looked identical to gold bars. But then the crates did originally contain ‘gold’ as they were transported around in the Dinky 275 Brinks Truck but labelled as ‘U.S. Treasury’.

IN THE TV SERIES:

The MSVs were virtually indestructible and deployed as unarmed, high security, personnel carriers, carrying VIPs or precious cargo in safety.

Maximum Security Vehicles were powered by two 10-cylinder diesel-engines, one at the front and the other at the rear, powering off-road, bullet-proof and self-inflating tyres. MSVs were 24 feet long, weighing approximately 18 thousand pounds (8 Tons), and had a top speed of 200 MPH. The MSV could even survive a nuclear attack as it was shielded by armour and hermetically sealed against radiation contamination.

TV PROP v DINKY MODEL:

The model was a good portrayal of the actual vehicle used in the series. In fact all three Captain Scarlet models were good representations and faithful to the originals.

The only niggle would be the model colour which was off-white rather than a metallic grey on the prop.

VARIATIONS:

There were a number of variations to the model but most happened in the later stages of production. The most noticeable was to the interior. Red was used for the majority of the releases and till the end of the run but dark and light blue interior variants were also made.

WHEELS, DECALS AND DETAILING:

Initially decal transfers were used by these were changed to less colourful stickers which were cheaper and easier to apply. Painted red stripes were replaced with red stickers for the coachwork detail and the final issues were left bare. Spun wheels were replaced with 5 bolt wheels in 1972, when Dinky stopped using spun wheels altogether, As the Dinky range then converted to speed wheels they appeared appeared on the MSV in 1974. Interestingly the 1974 Dinky catalogue shows a MSV with spun wheels.

The first version had steps without edges and these changed for later models. The casting on the very last models omitted the open window and these were now blanked possibly due to a cast mould weakness or wear in this area.

BASES:

The majority of bases were red although the wording changed to omit the ‘Century 21’ licence text presumably after the company was sold to ATV. The number ‘105’ also disappeared.

As the production run ended different colour bases appeared although these are quite rare and the red bases appear on even the last models. Presumably this was to use up excess paint stocks.

ODDITIES AND RARITIES:

This metallic chromed version was produced for some lucky over-performing Dinky managers back in the 1970’s.

This version appears to have blue stripes.

BOXES:

The first edition cardboard box had no insert like its companion vehicles the 104 SPV and 105 SPC but had a cardboard end protector as the toy was very heavy and it also had a cardboard ring aerial protector.

The last version of this box produced around 1972 and before the bubble box version, had additional text advising that: ‘Colour of model may differ from illustration’.

The bubble pack was introduced in 1973.

There were various changes to the lettering and the font size for the number ‘105’. Note the aerial taped to the base.

CATALOGUES:

The 195 MSV made its first appearance in the 1968 UK catalogue and its last in the 1974 version.

Like this:

4 thoughts on “105: Maximum Security Vehicle”

Hi Gavin, Mostly they stay open long enough to take a photo but close with the slightest vibration. I have a couple though that don’t stay open at all but can be temporarily held by blu-tac. Hope you are enjoying the site and please let me know if you have any additional info or corrections to add. Cheers Dick

Your memory filter is clearly set to retain important key information. On my first day I remember having to eat large white butter beans for lunch and after tasting one (yeuch!) put them in my pocket for my Mum to find a couple of days later.